Clamp for standing seam

Abstract

A clamp assembly (100), and a mounting assembly (150), that may be used for securing a device (160) (e.g. a solar panel, Roof Mounted Displays, Satellite Dishes, Conduit and Piping, Snow-Retention System, HVAC etc.) to a raised portion of a standing seam (103) of a metal roof, panel or tile (119) building surface. The clamp assembly (100) comprising a mounting body (101) of a general block shape having a slot (102) for receiving the standing seam (103) formed in a bottom surface (136) of the mounting body (101) and top surface (137) for securing thereon and attaching the device (160) thereto. The clamp assembly (100) is configured with one or more pins (105) that may be formed in a substantially elongated cylindrical shape. The pins (105) may be configured to be received in one or more push-pin holes (107) formed in the mounting body (101), whereby the push-pin holes (107) extend to the slot (102) from a side surface (138) of push-pin holes (107), which are formed substantially orthogonal relative to the slot (102). The clamp assembly (100) includes a fastening element (109) adapted to be received in a fastener hole (111) formed adjacent the push-pin holes (107) in the side surface (138) of the mounting body (101). The fastening element (109) is configured to secure, attach and hold the clamp assembly (100) to the standing seam (103) by forcing the pins (105) against the standing seam (103) disposed in the slot (102). The clamp assembly (100) further comprises a groove (115) adapted to receive and secure a ground wire (120), cable (121) or other item advantageous for grounding of electrical components and organization. The mounting assembly (100) includes the clamp assembly (100) and a panel fastening assembly (126) comprising a device fastening element (139) adapted to be received in said attachment hole (113) for securing the device (160), one or more one or more solar caps (127) adapted to be disposed on and around the device fastening element (139) so as to mount and secure the device (160) disposed between the solar caps (127) by tightening said device fastening element (139).

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 844,763, entitled “CLAMP FOR STANDING SEAM” filed on Jul. 10, 2014, and the entire disclosure is hereby incorporated by reference herein.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention is in the field of mounting assemblies for a standing seam of a roof panel and, in particular, to a mounting assembly with a non-penetrating clamp for securely locking pins into the roof panel without damaging the panel's surface, with the clamp configuration providing an improved hold that resists loosening from environmental conditions, high wind, seismic vibration, and snow loads. The clamp further features an integral groove for grounding wires, cables and securing other things.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Conventional metal roof systems require attachment systems in order to attach panels, solar panels, snow rails, wind clamps, signs, HVAC equipment, condui...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]The present invention is embodied by a clamp assembly, and a mounting assembly, that may be used for securing a device (e.g. a solar panel, Roof Mounted Displays, Satellite Dishes, Conduit and Piping, Snow-Retention System, HVAC, structures, things, etc.) to a raised portion of a standing seam of a metal roof, panel or tile of a building surface. The clamp assembly comprising a mounting body of a general block shape having a slot for receiving the standing seam formed in a bottom surface of the mounting body and top surface for securing thereon and attaching the device thereto. The clamp assembly is configured with one or more pins that may be formed in a substantially elongated cylindrical shape. The pins may be configured to be received in one or more push-pin holes formed in the mounting body, whereby the push-pin holes extend to the slot from a side surface of push-pin holes, which are formed substantially orthogonal relative to the slot. The clamp assembly includes a fastening element adapted to be received in a fastener hole formed adjacent the push-pin holes in the side surface of the mounting body. The fastening element is configured to secure, attach, hold and maintain the clamp assembly to the standing seam by forcing the pins against the standing seam disposed in the slot. The clamp assembly further comprises a groove adapted to receive and secure a ground wire, cable or other item advantageous for grounding of electrical components and organization.

[0009]The present invention is embodied by a mounting assembly and / or kit that may be used for securing a device to a raised portion of a standing seam of a surface. The mounting assembly comprising a clamp assembly formed with a mounting body of a general block shape, one or more pins with each of the pins having a substantially elongated cylindrical shape and configured to be received in one or more push-pin holes formed in the mounting body, whereby the holes extend substantially orthogonal relative to the slot from a side surface of the mounting body. The clamp assembly includes a fastening element adapted to be received in a fastener hole formed adjacent the push-pin holes and configured to secure, attach, hold, and maintain the clamp assembly the standing seam by forcing the pins against the raised portion of the standing seam when it is disposed in the slot. The mounting assembly further comprising a panel fastening assembly with a device fastening element adapted to be received in an attachment hole disposed on an upper surface of the mounting body for securing the device, one or more one or more solar caps adapted to be disposed on the device fastening element so as to mount and secure the device with the device between said solar caps by tightening said device fastening element.

Problems solved by technology

These attached devices and things are constantly affected by thermal movement and vibration actions.

Some manufacturers recommend retightening clamps periodically, which is a disadvantage as requiring ongoing maintenance and cost.

Recently, standards have been issued for seismic vibrations and activity and known clamp assemblies have yet to be able to meet these seismic standards.

Other problems and disadvantages with conventional clamps and mounting systems involve not gouging or deforming the applied surface of the metal roof.

If the top coating is compromised problems occur such as, for example, leakage, limiting the life of the roof from degradation, oxidation, taking away from the appearance, and voiding a manufacturer's warranty.

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